state of the city semi-annual report

StateCityof the

Semi-Annual ReportSeptember 2015

Mayor Ras J. Baraka

Newark 3.0 Economic and Technology Updates

Nearly 3,000 Summer Jobs

Created

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 1 10/6/15 4:58 PM

2 | City of Newark • September 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

CITY OF NEWARKRas J. Baraka, Mayor

MUNICIPAL COUNCILMildred C. Crump, Council President/Council Member-at-Large

Augusto Amador, Council Member, East Ward

Carlos M. Gonzalez, Council Member-at-Large

John Sharpe James, Council Member, South Ward

Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins, Council Member, Central Ward

Joseph A. McCallum, Jr., Council Member, West Ward

Eddie Osborne, Council Member-at-Large

Luis A. Quintana, Council Member-at-Large

Anibal Ramos, Jr., Council Member, North Ward

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 3

A MORE PROSPEROUS CITYEconomic Development and Homeownership 4

A TECH CITYGroundbreaking Technology, Wi-Fi, and Online Bill Pay 6

A MODEL CITYModel Neighborhoods, Education, Public Safety, and Centers of Hope 8

A CITY WE CAN ALL BELIEVE IN Summer Jobs, Summer Fun, and Occupy the Block 10

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 2 10/6/15 4:58 PM

September 2015 • State of the City Report | 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Mayor

DEAR NEWARKERS:

One annual State of the City report is not nearly enough for a city as dynamic as Newark.

That’s why we have prepared this semi-annual State of the City report, to make sure you continue to receive updates about the progress Newark is making.

We are dedicated to making Newark 3.0 a technology and economic model for all of America. It’s not just about Wi-Fi access and cutting-edge innovation—although we have that, too! It’s also about making Newark a stronger, more viable city, from its diverse communities to its wealth of economic infrastructure.

This is a very exciting period of growth for Newark. Over the last quarter, the City has increased the amount of economic development projects in the pipeline by a half-billion dollars. We announced the opening of Indigo Hotel in our last report, and we are happy to report that nearly a half dozen more hotel chains are coming to the City, including Hilton and Wyndham. Please read more about that growth in the section titled “A More Prosperous City.”

In my last State of the City address, I was proud to announce that Newark was rebuilding its neighborhood communities with the same vigor and dedication as its downtown area. Since that report, the City received a cash award from the U. S. Conference of Mayors for the work being done with the Model Neighborhoods Initiative (MNI). Review “A Model City” section for updates on homeownership, resident safety, and more revitalization in those MNI areas.

Newark had a milestone summer this year, creating 3000 jobs for our youth. The City also had a lot of outside support from those who love Newark, including NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Common, who joined us for Summer Fun activities and Occupy the Block.

Economic development is critical to Newark’s future. It provides jobs and career oppor-tunities, reduces crime, empowers entrepreneurs and their creativity, and builds the prosperity that makes Newark A City We Can All Believe In.

Thank you for your continued dedication and interest in Newark’s transformation.

Ras J. BarakaMayor

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 3 10/6/15 4:58 PM

A MORE PROSPEROUS CITY

The City of Newark had over $1 billion dollars in projects under construction in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Today, the City has approximately $1.5 billion in

additional projects moving forward in the pipeline.

OFFICE PROJECTS MORE THAN HALF COMPLETE

• Prudential: 650,000 Sq. ft. (95% complete)

• Cablevision: 73,000 Sq. ft. (90% complete)

• Biotrial: 70,000 Sq. ft. R&D facility (50% complete)

HOTEL PROJECTS SLATED TO OPEN BY 2017

• Ironbound Hotel 94 rooms

• Home2 Hilton 115 rooms

• TRYP by Wyndham Hotel 100 rooms

• Homewood Suites 110 rooms

• Eurostar Newark 100 rooms

4 | City of Newark • September 2015

Economic Development

Projects In Pipeline Soar to

$1.5 BillionSince 1875, Prudential Financial has called Newark its home. The company hosted the official grand opening of its 20-story, $444-million office tower this fall.

50,000Sq. ft.4 Corners Millennium

30,000Sq. ft.Baxter Terrace, Phase 2

8,000Sq. ft.Downtown Partners, I & II

70,000Sq. ft.NJIT, Phase 2 (MLK Gateway Project)

8,000Sq. ft.One Riverview at Rector Street

15,000Sq. ft.One Theater Square

20,000Sq. ft.Prudential

145,000Sq. ft.Springfield Marketplace

30,000Sq. ft.Washington Park Tower

400,000 SQUARE FEET OF CONSTRUCTION MOVING FORWARD DOWNTOWN

As part of the redevelopment boom in the Military Park section of Newark’s downtown, Nike opened a factory store in the fall.

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 4 10/6/15 4:58 PM

BUILDING COMMUNITIES

Retail Business Incubator launches in the South Ward. Newark CEDC has unveiled a pilot Community Storefront Program (CSP) to allow budding entrepreneurs the oppor-tunity to “set up shop” in a shared-space retail location and experience the full business lifecycle, from concept to mar-ket. This program is to expand into each of the five wards.

Acting Governor Kim Guadagno joined Mayor Ras J. Baraka to break ground in the East Ward for the world’s largest indoor vertical farm. The 69,000 square-foot, $30 million facility will be the corporate headquarters of AeroFarms, creating a vertical farm and global headquar-ters in a converted steel factory located at 212 Rome Street.

Phase One of Harrison Park Square opened. When fully complete, this Central Ward development at 140 Spruce Street will offer quality affordable housing for both seniors and families, as well as significant green space. Located on the former site of Douglass-Harrison Homes, the develop-ment is a private-public partnership between the City and the Marlton-based Michaels Development Company.

Boylan Recreation Center is undergoing a $100,000 major renovation that is slated for completion by December 2015. The renovated facility features a state-of-the-art boxing gym and two outdoor lots are being converted into a brand new regulation size basketball court and a multi-use recreation court to accommodate volley-ball, tennis, soccer and badminton. Funding was provided in part by PSE&G and the Greater Newark Local Initiative Support Corporation (“LISC”).

During the 2014-2015 calendar year, renovations have also been made to the Rotunda Recreation Center, which has an upgraded Wellness Center; the JFK Recreation Center, which has a new roof and an upgraded air con-ditioning system, and Hayes West, which was converted into a Center of Hope for girls with a completely revamped interior.

A MORE PROSPEROUS CITY

September 2015 • State of the City Report | 5

VALENTINE’S DAY LAND SALE UPDATES

The administration sold 100 lots for $1,000 each on Valentine’s Day 2015 to combat blight and build wealth in the neighborhoods. The couples who pur-chased the lots had to be willing to build a home on them and live in it for five years. Since then:

6 homebuyers are in the closing process

8 homebuyers have been lender-approved and are awaiting planning and zoning approval

64 homebuyers are in the screening pipeline

LIVE NEWARK PROGRAM UPDATES

Under this homebuyer initiative, public sector work-ers—especially police and fire department employees and public school teachers—receive $5,000 forgiv-able loans for closing costs and $25,000 forgivable loans for rehabilitation on certain homes.

As of August:

3 homebuyers closed

2 homebuyers have been lender-approved and are awaiting closing

8 homebuyers are in the screening pipeline

HOME FAÇADE PROGRAM UPDATES

This home improvement program provides up to $15,000 to homeowners to make exterior repairs and enhancements to their homes, beautifying the community and satisfying any existing code viola-tions. The goal of the project is to make homes safe, secure and sanitary, and to create a sense of pride of ownership, preserve the value of a home’s equity, and promote the well-being of the occupants.

Since the inception of the program:

12 homebuyers have been approved and have had properties inspected

13 homebuyers are in the screening pipeline

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 5 10/6/15 4:58 PM

A TECH CITY

6 | City of Newark • September 2015

Newark 3.0 Flourishes With

$50 Million Tech Center

and Wi-Fi Coverage

Since 2014, the administration has worked diligently to create Newark 3.0, a 21st-century city that deliv-ers the latest technology to residents, visitors and

businesses. In the second quarter of 2015, many of these goals were realized.

FORMATION OF NEWARK VENTURE PARTNERS

In July, Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Acting Governor Kim Guadagno, U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker, Audible.com Founder and CEO Donald Katz, and other leaders announced the formation of Newark Venture Partners. NVP is a $50 million technology venture fund that will bring a state-of-the-art, 25,000 sq. ft. accelerator workspace with ultra-high bandwidth access to the City of Newark for innovative tech startups. NVP leaders will manage the early-stage investment fund, providing capital as well as sophisticated company-building services at 1 Washington Park.

ALL CITY BILLS NOW PAYABLE ONLINE

Residents and businesses can pay water and sewer, taxes and parking tickets at ci.newark.nj.us, the City of Newark’s secure site. The site accepts Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, and E-checks. Those using credit or debit cards will be assessed a 2.25% convenience fee (with a minimum of $1.75) while E-check users will pay a $0.99 convenience fee.

• Pay Taxes Online

• Pay Parking Tickets Online

• Pay Water and Sewer Bills Online

Mayor Baraka (left) speaks with Audible CEO Don Katz (right). The Newark Venture Partners (NVP) tech center will be housed at the Audible building.

NVP press conference (L to R) Former Sen. Bob Kerrey, Mayor Ras Baraka, Former Gov. Tom Kean, Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno, Sen. Cory Booker and Rev. David Jefferson Sr.

Online bill pay portal

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 6 10/6/15 4:58 PM

FASTEST FREE WI-FI NETWORK IN THE U.S.

Firebolt Newark Wi-Fi, the world’s fastest, large-scale, contiguous public outdoor Wi-Fi, became available in May. The Wi-Fi network covers a two-mile stretch encom-passing Military Park, Broad and Market streets, and Washington Park. Firebolt Newark was built by the Military Park Partnership and funded by Audible, Prudential Financial, Rutgers Newark, and NJIT. The network, which has already been used by more than 50,000 people, is capable of delivering download speeds of hundreds of megabits-per-second. The successful network was made possible by cutting-edge custom hardware from Ackrion Inc., a Springfield, Massachusetts-based startup. The same cutting-edge solution is also available at several commu-nity recreation centers and housing authority locations in Newark’s neighborhoods.

A TECH CITY

September 2015 • State of the City Report | 7

The recently renovated Military Park now features charging stations that allow park-goers to charge their mobile devices.

The coverage map of Firebolt Newark Wi-Fi, the fastest free Wi-Fi in the country, providing connections up to 300 Mbps.

SMART CITY TECHNOLOGY UPDATES

Nextdoor now has more than 1,800 users, a 192% increase in the past year. Residents use Nextdoor to stay in touch with neighbors and form virtual neigh-borhood watches.

The MyNewark app has more than 3,000 users; more than 1,100 service-requests, and 170 anon-ymous tips. It has a 4.7 rating in the GooglePlay store and will continue to receive improvements and add-ons.

The Open Data site at data.ci.newark.nj.us has more than 29,000 pageviews with 70 datasets. The datasets include information on public buildings, vacant properties, health inspections, certificates of occupancy, and requests from the 4311 number.

All code enforcement inspections have been switched to a real-time, paperless system and all 17 code enforcers are now equipped with tablets. Since February, more than 900 health inspections and 2,760 vacant property inspections have been com-pleted on the new paperless system.

An online business registration process has been newly instituted, cutting red tape and making it eas-ier for businesses to open in the City.

Free high-speed Internet is now available at 5 pools, 6 recreation centers, and all Centers of Hope locations.

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 7 10/6/15 4:58 PM

In June, at the 83rd annual U.S. Conference of Mayors held in San Francisco, Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the City of Newark received a $75,000 award on behalf of the

Newark Community Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). The award was given as part of the 2015 CommunityWINS (Working/Investing in Neighborhood Stabilization) Grant Program, which was administered by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

The $75,000 will be used to support the Community Storefront Program and the Model Neighborhoods Initiative, which launched last year to target the South Ward’s Clinton Hill and the West Ward’s Lower West Ward. The two programs encourage intense economic development, public safety enforcement, and community engagement.

RECENT PROGRESS WITH THE MODEL NEIGHBORHOODS INITIATIVE (MNI) INCLUDES:

• 6 of the 99 Valentine’s Day Sale properties are in the MNI area

• 5 of the 13 Live Newark homebuyers are in the MNI area

• 17 of the 27 Façade Program homeowners are in the MNI area

• MNI planted 217 trees

• MNI identified 9 priority properties for demolition and razed 2 dangerous properties

• MNI is undertaking formal blight studies in the West and South wards to explore and execute redevelopment proposals

• MNI designated 505 Clinton Avenue for development as an artist housing, studio, and exhibit space

• MNI launched a mural program that will result in a new mural being erected in the city each week for 8 weeks

• MNI developed and launched a small business incu-bator program that is training 10 aspiring entrepreneurs

• MNI hosted various business summits to promote eco-nomic growth

» Small Business Summit in January 2015

» Manufacturers Summit in May 2015

» Business Financing Summit in June 2015

• MNI created community organizations and block associations

• Police protection was added in the MNI area

MORE THAN 100 OFFICERS ADDED TO THE POLICE FORCE

23 special police officers were sworn in during July of 2014

35 Newark police officers were sworn in during September of 2014

43 police recruits are scheduled to graduate in October of 2015

A MODEL CITY

8 | City of Newark • September 2015

U.S. Conference of Mayors

Honored Newark for Outstanding Neighborhood Development

Murals, such as the above at the corner of Shanley and Clinton Avenues, beautify many of the Model Neighborhood areas.

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 8 10/6/15 4:58 PM

RESULTS OF EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS

Mayor Baraka’s vocal insistence that Newark Public Schools be returned to local control was heard in June when he and Gov. Chris Christie issued a joint announcement. They stated on June 26: “Together, we have created a Newark Educational Success Board that will be charged by us with developing a clear, specific pathway with appropriate timelines and benchmarks for the return of local control to the Newark community.”

Former Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Cami Anderson departed her post on July 8, 2015.

After 20 years under state control, the Newark school district is now transitioning back to control by residents and an elected board.

The Mayor’s off ice, along with the New Jersey Department of Education, is creating the Newark Educational Success Board. Its members will include the new superintendent, community members, a student, parents, and other representatives from the education and business communities.

CENTERS OF HOPE OPENED TO RESIDENTS

Four of the planned nine Centers of Hope have opened since the spring. The Centers of Hope provide access to educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities to residents at several neighborhood locations.

All of the Centers of Hope offer: • Afterschool programs • Health & wellness classes • Job readiness workshops • Literacy and ESL programs • Arts & culture classes

Operating hours for the Centers of Hope are 3:00pm-9:00pm Monday through Friday with some Centers offering Saturday programming as well.

The following Centers of Hope are fully operational and collectively providing services for approximately 1000 residents per week:

Centers of Hope:South Ward Center of HopePartners: Leaders For LifeLocation: 84 Clinton PlaceOpened: March 3, 2015

Hayes West Center of Hope for Women and GirlsPartners: Newark G.A.L.S. and GIRLS, LIVE, LOVE, LAUGHLocation: 179 Boyd StreetOpened: April 1, 2015

Vince Lombardi Center of HopePartners: Learn, Laugh, Lead Location: 201 Bloomfield AvenueOpened: June 4, 2015

West Side Park Center of HopePartners: Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the United Community Corporation (UCC)Location: West Side Park at South 18th St. and 13th Ave.Opened: July 8, 2015

A MODEL CITY

September 2015 • State of the City Report | 9

Young women are mentored and taught to sew by the Girls Live, Love, Laugh organization at the City’s Hayes West Center of Hope for girls.

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 9 10/6/15 4:58 PM

The Mayor’s 2015 Summer Youth Program made history by providing more than 2,800 youth ages 14 to 21 with summer work and enrichment activities.

The program’s success was due to the administration’s commitment to engaging partners and funding sources to ensure a safe, fun and productive summer for Newark’s youth.

Beginning in July, the City of Newark offered youth several work, academic and leadership activities to ensure that they stayed engaged in positive activities during the summer months. It has been documented that engaging youth in work activities creates safer communities.

Highlights of Summer Work 2015: • Nearly 3,000 youth ages 14 to 24 were given paid work and enrichment activities

• Youth were exposed to real work opportunities for 6 weeks

• Youth worked Monday to Friday, 4 hours/day, 4 days/week

• Youth enrolled in work activities and were paid a wage of $8.38/hour

• Youth enrolled in educational activities were paid a $100.00 weekly stipend

OCCUPY THE BLOCK MOVEMENT

In May, Mayor Ras J. Baraka sent out a clarion call for all who cared about Newark to “Occupy the Block.” This initiative is a community engagement tool modeled after the historic “Occupy” movement, which has been effective in derailing drug activity by setting up lawn chairs and gathering on corners where there is illegal drug activity and senseless crime.

Throughout the summer movement , there were more than 30 Occupy the Block events that galvanized celebrities and thousands of residents.

NEARLY $3 MILLION COMMITTED TO FUNDING 2,882 SUMMER JOBS

FUNDING SOURCEAMOUNTCOMMITTED

Foundation for Newark’s Future — Facebook private grants

$1.5 million

City of Newark Municipal Grant $1.1 million

Cities for Financial Employment/CITI $185,000

Bank of America $75,000

Victoria Foundation College Internships $50,000

Wells Fargo $25,000

TD Bank $20,000

The Newark Youth One Stop Career Center encourages youth to participate in leadership development and other special projects provided by local colleges or agencies. Listed below are some of the workshops and training opportunities offered to youth during the summer at local colleges.

• Essex County College: students participated in finan-cial literacy and career development workshops

• NJIT: 25 high school juniors and seniors participated in an 8-week IT coding camp; 200 high school juniors and seniors participated in an 8-week beautification program

• Rutgers University: 800 high school students par-ticipated in The Mayor’s Leadership Institute every Monday for six weeks

A CITY WE CAN ALL BELIEVE IN

10 | City of Newark • September 2015

A Summer Filled with

Work, Fun and Activism

In August, Actor/Rapper/Activist Common (R) joined the Occupy the Block movement by walking down Broad and Market Streets in Newark with Mayor Baraka (L) and hundreds of Newark’s residents.

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 10 10/6/15 4:58 PM

UPWARD BOUND/ EDUCATION PROGRAMS

A total of 300 youth were enrolled in educational activities during the summer months. This program was tailored to the continuation of their academic enrichment and participants received a $100.00 weekly stipend.

Educational sites included: • Essex County College • Rutgers University • Greater Newark Conservancy • NJIT- New Jersey Institute of Technology • Seton Hall University • JFK Recreation Center • Bruce Street School for the Deaf • The Deron School of New Jersey • NJ Regional Day School

SUMMER YOUTH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

A component of the summer program serviced out-of-school youth ages 16 to 21 who were enrolled in year-round educational academic enrichment programs such as literacy, GED prep, and vocational skilled programs.

Enrichment sites included: • New Community Corporation • Essex County College • Urban League of Essex County • International Youth Organization • La Casa De Don Pedro • Quality Dental • Junior Entrepreneurship • Rutgers RU Ready for Work

2015 SUMMER FUN SERVICED NEARLY 25,000 RESIDENTS

EVENT TYPENUMBER

HELDRESIDENTS ATTENDED

Summer Fun Events 78 9,690

Summer Plus Events 33 900

Mini-Camps 38 1,724

Back-to-School Events 20 11,300

Total 169 Events23,614

Residents

A CITY WE CAN ALL BELIEVE IN

September 2015 • State of the City Report | 11

The second annual Summer Fun in the City hosted several citywide events in 2015 that offered athletic, arts and culture, education, and recreation programming to engage the community and provide safer streets during the summer.

Highlights of Summer Fun 2015

• Shaquille O’Neal Believe In Newark 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Shaq attended the final game on August 22 outside of City Hall and congratulated the winners

• Movie Nights were held throughout the city at various locations to include Military Park, Georgia King Village, Good Neighbor Baptist Church and several other outdoor and indoor locations

• Soccer In The City & BBQ was held in each ward throughout July and August

• Family Fun Street Hockey with the NJ Devils was brought to the streets of each ward to include Nat Turner Park, Pennington Court and West Side Park Center of Hope

• Peace Mural Project provided arts, music and beautification to Terrell Homes, Hyatt Court and Stratford Place

• Dynamic Dynasty Dance Cypher took place throughout the city providing choreographed entertainment and performances for family fun

• Mini Camps took place during the month of August from Monday to Friday from 12pm to 4pm providing wholesome activities for children of all ages

SUMMER FUN IN REVIEW

In August, Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Newark native and NBA basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal hosted the “Believe in Newark 3 on 3” Basketball Tournament for Newark’s youth in front of City Hall.

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 11 10/6/15 4:58 PM

920 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102

Stay connected with your city on the web!

Visit our website: www.ci.newark.nj.us

Facebook.com/CityofNewark

@CityofNewarkNJ

CityofNewarkNewJersey

Nextdoor.com/Newark

Flickr.com/NewarkPressOffice

SOTCFall2015-FINAL.indd 12 10/6/15 4:58 PM